SCHOLARS@TAMU

My research in rapid community change is guided by the field of community sociology. This work seeks to better understand, from a sociological perspective, local processes that minimize the negative effects of rapid change while enhancing sustainable livelihoods. A second area of interest includes the topic of human dimensions of natural resources, guided by the fields of natural resource and environmental sociology. Along this line, I seek to understand the role the natural world plays in defining human behavior as well as people's values and actions associated with its management and protection. My work, conducted through quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods in domestic and international settings, sits at the intersection of the above interests and various literatures including community development, amenity migration, tourism, protected areas, natural events, and community health.